The Yoga of Devotion

Arjuna asks a fundamental question after witnessing Krishna's universal form in Chapter 11. 'Evam satata-yuktā ye bhaktās tvām paryupāsate'—those devotees (bhaktāḥ) who are always engaged (satata-yuktāḥ) in worshiping You (tvām paryupāsate). 'Ye cāpy akṣaram avyaktaṁ'—and those who worship the imperishable (akṣaram) and unmanifest (avyaktam). 'Teṣāṁ ke yoga-vittamāḥ'—which of these (teṣām) is more perfect in yoga (yoga-vittamāḥ)? This question reveals a common spiritual dilemma: is personal devotion (worshiping Krishna in form) better, or impersonal meditation (worshiping the formless)? Arjuna has seen both—Krishna's personal form and the cosmic form. Now he wonders which path leads to the highest realization. This sets up Chapter 12's central teaching: Krishna will explain that devotion (bhakti) is superior and more accessible than the impersonal path.